Sunday, March 18, 2012

another TNR day

I had the good fortune of spending a good chunk of my day out trapping feral cats with Vicki, an experienced TNR'er. She was told there were two cats hanging around an industrial area. A kind citizen has been feeding them regularly but the cats hadn't been sterilized, so we went today hoping to trap them so they could be spayed and neutered.

This was the spot that the cats have been getting fed, tucked between these trees and the fence. Since the cats are used to coming to this spot, we decided to set the traps here.

These are the two we were after, a fluffy Siamese-mix and a small black kitten. Everywhere the Siamese-mix would go, the black kitten would be right by her, we guessed the kitten was following mama.

The fluffy Siamese-mix is heading into the trap while the black kitten watches.

In the end we actually saw four cats at this site, and when I left we had successfully trapped the fluffy Siamese-mix and a beautiful male (which was unexpected). The black kitten was still at large as well as a large longhaired black cat. Vicki was going to stay another hour and I haven't heard yet if she was successful in trapping more cats.

The more I get into TNR the more I learn. I'm amazed at just how many ferals there are out there that often go unseen unless you are looking for them. Even in my neighborhood there are many but all those years of living here I just never saw them.

Vicki drove me around the area and showed me several sites where she has trapped over the years as well as several colonies that she takes care of. She alone has helped hundreds of cats in the community - what a great blessing to the community cats and the community.

This orange and white guy was one that Vicki TNR'ed over six years ago! He's doing great living outside of a medium-sized apartment complex along with many other cats that Vicki has taken care of. Today he got to enjoy the remainder of the can of trap bait (stinky goodness!) Today I learned that one person can make a huge difference in the lives of many cats.

I also learned that the community cats face many dangers. When we were waiting and watching the traps at this industrial site, a man came out and started spraying down the white fence along the property. He was spraying on bleach to kill the mildew (one of the joys of living in the Pacific Northwest!) The first picture at the top was pre-bleach spray and you can see the mildew and the third picture above is 2.5 hours later, post-bleach spray and the mildew is gone! It seemed to me the concentration of bleach was very high, which would pose a significant danger to the kitties.

The cats make their way through the fences wherever there are openings.

On this site, this was one of the main entry routes for the cats. The hole is on the bottom right. Just to the left of the hole under the fence is a large coil of razor wire. One brush against that and poor kitty will come away with some serious lacerations. These community cats face significant dangers every day of their lives.

I loved spending the time out in the community today looking for the ferals. TNR is such a win-win, for the cats and the community. I also greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from experienced TNR people - thanks Vicki!

I came home feeling all jazzed up from trapping kitties, I thought it best to use some of that energy to improve Oliver's life. I don't think he cared for the idea of having his guest house on the enclosed back porch - he felt that was a demotion, a step in the wrong direction!

So, drawing on some inspiration from the Katnip Lounge's VIC Sky Lounge, I built Oliver a raised sleeping perch. It fits his heating pad nicely. I still need to sew him up a rectangular bed which will fit the spot much better than the oval bed that he's currently using.

Of couse Oliver snoopervised the construction and as soon as it was complete, he had to test it out.

I think he likes it!

Oliver gets to enjoy views of the backyard, the sideyard and the kitchen all from one spot!

I think the work you are doing to trap and sterilize feral cats is wonderful. Is there a Vet who does the surgeries for free? It really does take a community I love Oliver's new sleeping perch! Hugs, Linda

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Nahum Fluffer-Nutter

This big guy was rescued from the street and placed into a shelter when he was about a year old and we fell in love with him and his sister Willow at an adoption event at the local pet store. He appears to be predominately Maine Coon. He is friendly, incredibly curious and a complete goof-ball!

Theo

Theo appeared at my in-laws doorstep in rural Indiana, cold, hungry and desperate for affection. Upon taking care of those needs, his sweet disposition quickly stole my heart and I made the arrangements to fly him back home. He looks and acts a lot like a Bengal. Theo is bold, tenacious and amazingly easy going.

Rose

Rose was a tiny kitten, only 8 weeks old when I rescued her from the engine compartment of a truck in front of the house. She loves to play. She is easily startled, but she is getting more relaxed with time.

Oliver

Oliver is our outside kitty. He showed up as a stray and now enjoys two meals a day and a heated and insulated kitty home in the yard. He is very sweet, loves to be held and to melt into one's lap every chance he can get.

Pierre

One of Oliver's sons, Pierre is playful, inquisitive, and bold.

Nora

Oliver's girl, Nora remains the most feral. She only comes around to eat and is easily spooked.

Willow (2009-Jan 9, 2018)

Sweet Willow was found with Nahum living on the street. She was a smaller cat who absolutely loved to hunt bugs! She also had a fondness for napping in front of the fire and stealing slurps from your unattended glass of water. She was my precious, cuddly, little girl. She died in Jan 2018, after a very rapid decline from a fast growing brain tumor.

Buddy (1999-Aug 2016)

We adopted Buddy from a shelter when he was 12 years old. He was a complete snuggle bug and loved to have his tummy rubbed.

MK (Dec 2011 - Jan 2015)

Oliver's other son, MK was silly - a complete goof! He loved to play and to head bonk Oliver and his siblings. Sadly, he went missing in Jan 2015 and never returned. His family misses him.

Max (1995 - May 2009)

Max was my first cat. His amazingness set the standard for all other cats. He was the perfect blend of playful, snuggly and adventurous. He frequently would fall asleep in my arms and desired to be held indefinitely. He loved adorning his harness and leash for long walks around the yard. Sadly, he passed away in May of 2009 after a long fight with chronic kidney failure.

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